Out of town help comes to West to assist explosion victims

A North Carolina-based relief organization has sent a disaster relief unit and teams of volunteers to West to make emergency repairs and offer comfort to survivors.

Samaritan's Purse traveled overnight from North Carolina and arrived Tuesday in West. They brought with them a tractor-trailer stocked with chain saws, plastic tarp, generators and other tools and equipment.

It will serve as a command center for disaster relief work.

Crews will work to weatherproof and secure damaged houses. Workers will also clean glass and other debris littering the affected neighborhoods.

The newly established Joint Assistance Center (JAC) has been busy as well for residents to register for assistance and case work with a number of agencies, including the Salvation Army.

The Disaster Canteen, a mobile kitchen from the Salvation Army in Abilene, was stationed to serve meals and refreshments throughout the day. Other units were again located at the command center and community center, with one canteen roving through the most affected neighborhoods.

Social services staff from the Salvation Army in Waco met with a steady stream of people seeking assistance at the JAC.

The JAC will be open 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday for those seeking assistance.